How to clean an iPhone – properly

Ever had that moment where the light catches your screen just right, and you realise exactly how much you need to clean your phone? At best, it’s covered in fingerprints; at worst, you might find something from yesterday’s lunch lurking on the surface. Luckily, it only takes a few simple steps to get your iPhone sparkling clean again. Need to know how to clean phone screen smudges on the go? Just read on.

How to clean your phone screen without damaging it

First, here’s the bad news: most phone manufacturers recommend against using regular antibacterial wipes to clean your phone. Phone screens are made with an oil-repellent coating to protect them from the oils on your fingers and face, and strong chemicals wear that coating away.

How to make your own phone cleaning spray

Naturally, you want a germ-free, clean iPhone, and you want to keep it safely intact too, so here’s how. You’ll need:

• A miniature spray bottle
• Water
• 50% white vinegar
• Strong, soft facial tissues

Fill the spray bottle halfway with the water, then add the vinegar to fill it all the way to the top. Close the bottle tightly and shake it well to combine the two liquids. The vinegar is the active ingredient to clean your phone: it kills the germs on the screen and helps to dry it quickly.

How to clean your iPhone

1. Start by turning your phone off and unplugging it from any chargers.
2. Take your phone out of its case, clearing any crumbs, grit and particles out of the corners.
3. Take a soft, strong tissue, and spray it lightly with the cleaning solution. It shouldn’t be wet – just very slightly damp to avoid moisture getting into any openings. Use the tissue to wipe your phone and the case, and let them dry for a couple of seconds.

Remember, this guide is about how to clean your iPhone, not how to break it. With this in mind, do not spray this liquid directly onto your phone! Phones and fluids have never been friends.

Day-to-day cleaning

Your screen has an oil-repellent coating designed for easy cleaning, so there’s no need to deep-clean your phone every day. Most of the time, a quick wipe with a facial tissue should be enough to keep those pesky prints at bay. Combine these two methods, and you’ll never have to worry about the state of your phone screen again.